I Am the Wind is a seaworthy journey into the heavy swells of one’s own pathos. Although there was an absence of unnecessary theatrics at the 59E59 Theaters rendition, the end result was powerful. The playwright revolves around two friends simply labeled “The One” and “The Other.”These two mates spend a day eating, drinking and sailing, all while discussing personal fears and tribulations.
As the weather takes a turn for the worse the audience watches a similar storm erupt between the two leads. “The One” can be described as a noticeably depressed man confused by dark thoughts, while “The Other” shares the attributes of a sensible jellyfish using rationale. For the friend labeled “The One,” certain perplexities of the unknown details within his life tested out to be too great for himself. In the end, his unanticipated pitfall spills him back into the ethers of blue space. It’s impossible to determine whether our fate is subject to our own actions or by the guiding hands of a great spiritual manipulator, but every individual contemplates their own death and questions existence. The emblematic glue holding together the fragility of human nature is obviously love. If you’ve disagreed with this point than maybe you live in a sitcom or have the existential reasoning of a lamp. Ultimately, the point is that we all think about death from time to time and imagine the ramifications of a most fatal decision. Love is a binding force but is not imperishable. For some, the idea of wondering no longer satisfies the imaginative craving and instead manifests into a downward spiral.
Photo by Cherylynn Tsushima
The play was originally written by Norwegian author and dramatist Jon Fosse. He is considered by most critics to be one of the world’s greatest contemporary playwrights. Fosse’s successful career has resulted in countless literary awards and a wondrous estate bestowed upon him by the King of Norway- on the premises of the Royal Palace. The U.S. premiere of Fosse’s play was translated by award-winning playwright Simon Stephens, and directed by Paul Takacs. Actors Christopher Tierney (Broadway’s Spider Man) and Louis Butelli (Cyclops: A Rock Opera) executed their roles exceptionally; captivating the crowd in the dim-lit intimate setting. This bravura form of storytelling runs around the 70 minute mark, leaving the audience with their own heavy thoughts and forcing you to conceptualize your own narrative. I really enjoyed the performance and I would love to return for a second viewing. The play is thought-provoking and has a universal relation, making it suitable for a wide audience. There are plenty of performances available throughout the week and is definitely worth the money as well as your free-time.
Tickets are $18, purchase tickets at www.59e59.org or call (212) 279-4200. I Am the Wind is running through January 26th, 2014.
59E59 Theaters is located at 59 E. 59th Street.
